Usability and accuracy of two different aortic annulus sizing software programs in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Semi-automated software is essential for planning and prosthesis selection prior transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Reliable data on the usability of software programs for planning a TAVR is missing. The aim of this study was to compare software programs 'Valve Assist 2' (GE Healthcare) and 3mensio 'Structural Heart' (Pie Medical Imaging) regarding usability and accuracy of prosthesis size selection in program-inexperienced users. METHODS: Thirty-one participants (n = 31) were recruited and divided into program-inexperienced users (beginners) (n = 22) and experts (n = 9). After software training, beginners evaluated 3 patient cases in 129 measurements (n = 129) using either Valve Assist 2 (n = 11) or Structural Heart (n = 11) on 2 test days (T1, T2). System Usability Scale (SUS) and ISONORM 9241/110-S (ISONORM) questionnaire were used after the test. The valve size selected by each beginner was compared with the valve size selected from expert group. RESULTS: Valve Assist 2 had higher SUS Score: median 78.75 (25th, 75th percentile: 67.50, 85.00) compared to Structural Heart: median 65.00 (25th, 75th percentile: 47.50, 73.75), (p < 0,001, r = 0.557). Also, Valve Assist 2 showed a higher ISONORM score: median 1.05 (25th, 75th percentile: - 0.19, 1.71) compared to Structural Heart with a median 0.05 (25th, 75th percentile: - 0.49, 0.13), (p = 0.036, r = 0.454). Correctly selected valve sizes were stable over time using Valve Assist 2: 72.73% to 69.70% compared to Structural Heart program: 93.94% to 40% (χ2 (1) = 21.10, p < 0.001, φ = 0.579). CONCLUSION: The study shows significant better usability scores for Valve Assist 2 compared to 3mensio Structural Heart in program-inexperienced users.

Bone mineral density of the incus body and long process in patients with chronic otitis media and its relationship with functional outcome in type II tympanoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory conditions such as chronic otitis media (COM) can cause irreversible impairments in the microarchitecture and functions of the incus, which subsequently leads to conductive hearing loss. OBJECTIVES: To investigate bone mineral density (BMD) of the incus body (IB) and long process (ILP) on preoperative temporal CT in COM patients with and without incudo-stapedial joint discontinuity (ISJD), and also to determine the association between BMD values and the postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) in the ISJD group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The mean IB density (IBD)/occipital bone density (OBD) and ILP density (ILPD)/OBD values were compared between the patients with and without ISJD. The correlation between ABG gain and preoperative incus density values was assessed in the ISJD group. RESULTS: The mean IBD/OBD and ILPD/OBD values were significantly higher in patients with intact ISJ. There was a moderate positive correlation between postoperative ABG gain and ILPD/OBD values in the ISJD group. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: The decrease in BMD of the incus may involve ILP as well as IB in patients with ISJD caused by ILP lysis in COM. A higher preoperative ILPD/OBD was correlated with a higher postoperative ABG gain in COM patients with ISJD.

Left Atrium Volume Measured with Multislice Computed Tomography as a Prognostic Predictor for Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation Outcomes.

Background: Current guidelines consider atrial fibrillation (AF) type as the prognostic factor for a recommendation of catheter ablation. We aimed to determine whether LA and LA appendage (LAA) volumes measured using multislice computed tomography (MSCT) were related to long-term outcomes in AF following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Methods: We evaluated 152 consecutive patients with drug-refractory AF (median age, 55.8 ± 9.6 years), including 110 male patients, who underwent RFCA in a single center. All patients underwent MSCT imaging for anatomical assessment. The endpoint of this study was documented AF recurrence after RFCA. Results: The overall procedure success rate was 77.6% (n = 118) during a mean follow-up period of 12.6 months. The LA volume was significantly larger for those who experienced AF recurrence after RFCA than for the patients without recurrent AF after the procedure (153.8 ± 29.9 mL vs. 139.2 ± 34.1 mL, p = 0.025). However, LAA volumes were nearly equivalent between the patients with and without AF recurrence after RFCA (16.2 ± 6.3 mL and 14.7 ± 6.5 mL, respectively; p = 0.235). LA volume ≥ 153.2 mL was the optimal cutoff value for estimating AF recurrence after RFCA, with 94% sensitivity and 66% specificity. LA volume remained an independent predictor of both AF recurrence and permanent AF. Conclusions: LA volume as assessed by MSCT might be helpful for identifying patients likely to achieve successful AF ablation. LA volume ≥ 153.2 mL, but not LAA volume, showed good accuracy in predicting AF recurrence after RFCA.

Computed tomography assessment of maxillary sinus hypoplasia and associated anatomical variations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global evidence.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the scientific evidence on the prevalence of maxillary sinus hypoplasia (MSH) and associated anatomical variations as assessed by computed tomography scans. STUDY DESIGN: This PROSPERO-registered systematic review followed the recommendations of the PRISMA guidelines. Search algorithms were constructed for each of the six databases and gray literature. After screening the references (Rayyan®), the extracted data were meta-analyzed according to a random-effects model. The joanna briggs critical appraisal tool assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. The GRADE approach was used to estimate the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: From a total of 2781 studies screened, 22 were considered for four meta-analysis. The prevalence of MSH in 7358 patients was 5.65% (CI95% = 4.07-7.47%) with significant heterogeneity between studies (p < 0.001, I2 = 89.30%). MSH was identified in 295 patients, of whom 82.38% (CI95% = 75.82-88.09%) had unilateral hypoplasia and 17.62% (CI95% = 11.91-24.18%) bilateral hypoplasia with moderate heterogeneity between studies (p < 0.0503, I2 = 42.87%). The prevalence of MSH in 9998 maxillary sinuses was 3.77% (95% CI = 2.44-5.38%), with significant heterogeneity between studies (p < 0.001, I2 = 92.84%). Hypoplastic/aplastic uncinate process, concha bullosa and paradoxical concha were the most reported anatomical variations. The studies presented a low-moderate methodological quality. The certainty of the evidence was very low to moderate. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of maxillary sinus hypoplasia observed was 5.65%, with most cases being unilateral.

Evolving Paradigms in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Results from a High-Volume, Single Center Experience.

Given the expanding indications toward younger patients at lower surgical risk, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) simplification and streamlining are gaining increasing importance. Patients who underwent TAVR from the year 2015 to 2020 were prospectively enrolled. The patients were divided in time tertiles according to the date of intervention. Data on preprocedural planning, including coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), procedures, and outcomes, were compared between the time tertiles. A total of 771 consecutive patients from a single institution were enrolled. We observed a trend toward the use of a fully percutaneous versus surgical approach for the index access, left radial artery versus contralateral femoral artery for the secondary access, and left ventricular pacing on the stiff guidewire versus right ventricular pacing. Immediate device success significantly increased, whereas the length of hospital stay decreased. Overall, approximately 60% of the total study population underwent CCTA instead of coronary angiography, with no adverse events. One-year survival rates significantly improved over time. A simplified TAVR approach was associated with better survival, whereas low baseline functional capacity, preexisting coronary artery disease, renal impairment, periprocedural blood transfusions, and paravalvular leak were related to worse outcomes. In conclusion, our study showed a constant tendency to procedure streamlining and improve procedural success and 1-year outcomes. A strategy based on CCTA allows sparing safely almost half of the preoperative invasive coronary angiography.

Imaging diagnosis analysis and literature review of intrapulmonary solitary fibrous tumor.

Background: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the chest mainly arises from the pleura, but intrapulmonary SFT is rare. This study aimed to review and discuss the chest multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of intrapulmonary SFT and summarize existing literature on the disease in order to improve clinicians' understanding and diagnosis of this disease. Methods: The imaging findings and clinical data of 4 surgically and pathologically confirmed intrapulmonary SFT cases were retrospectively analyzed in terms of location, morphology, size, density, border, enhancement level of the lesion, and its relationship with surrounding tissue. These findings were combined with a review of 61 cases reported in the literature to characterize the features of intrapulmonary SFT. Results: A total of 65 patients with intrapulmonary SFT were reviewed, consisting of 30 females and 35 males. Of these cases, 21 had a lesion in the left lower lobe, more than in any other part of the lungs. The lesions were clear, had a quasicircular boundary, and were distinctly separated from surrounding tissue. Under plain scan, the 4 cases investigated in this study showed lesions of even density, and enhanced scanning revealed geographic enhancement in 2 cases. Of the 65 cases examined, 56 cases were benign, and the remaining 9 cases were borderline or malignant. Conclusions: The imaging findings of intrapulmonary SFT demonstrated certain features, such as lesions with a clear boundary and even density. Imaging examination is important for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of this disease.

Communication between the temporomandibular joint articular space and the extradural space in patients with temporal bone pneumatization: implications for temporomandibular joint surgery.

The pneumatization of the articular portion of the temporal bone is an anatomical variant that can modify the barrier between the articular space and the middle cranial fossa. Thus, this study aimed to identify the presence and degree of pneumatization, as well as the existence of pneumatic cell dehiscence towards the extradural or articular space determining whether it could lead to direct communication between the articular and extradural spaces. Hence, One-hundred skull computed tomography images were selected. The presence and extension of pneumatization were classified according to scores 0, 1, 2, and 3. Dehiscence towards extradural and articular spaces was recorded. In total, 200 TMJ from 100 patients were assessed and 40.5% of pneumatization cases were observed. The most prevalent score was 0 (restricted to the mastoid process), while the least prevalent score was 3 (extending beyond the crest of articular eminence). Dehiscence of the pneumatic cells towards the extradural space is more common than towards the articular space. One complete communication between the extradural and articular spaces was observed. Considering the results, it was concluded that to avoid neurological and ontological complications, awareness of the potential anatomical communications between articular and extradural spaces, particularly in patients with extensive pneumatisation, is necessary.

Anatomic suitability for transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation using a tether-based device.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is a novel therapeutic option for treating symptomatic mitral valve disease. Evaluating patient anatomical suitability is a critical step in the TMVI screening process, but currently requires specialized software and computerized device models. AIMS: This analysis sought to assess the effectiveness of simple and standardized multislice computed tomography (MSCT) anatomic measurements for their ability to discriminate between patients who passed anatomical screening for Tendyne™ TMVI. METHODS: Subjects screened for the Tendyne Expanded Clinical Study from January 2016 through September 2019 were included. Core laboratory screening measurements included mitral annular (MA) dimensions at end-systole and end-diastole, simulated device implantation, and neo-left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area. Additionally, nine standard measurements of patient anatomy were assessed for their predictive value of patients passing the anatomic screening process. RESULTS: Out of 496 subjects screened for eligibility, 257 subjects met clinical eligibility criteria with MA dimensions within the manufacturer's suggested range: 153 (59.5%) underwent TMVI while 104 (40.5%) were excluded from the study for other anatomic reasons (76% due to risk of LVOT obstruction). CT-derived left ventricular end-systole diameter (LVESD) had the highest discriminatory power for predicting TMVI anatomical suitability (area under the curve of 0.908, p < 0.0001). The mitral inter-commissural (IC) dimension was best predictive of annular dimensions being within range, with dimensions <30 or >50 mm resulting in a negative predictive value of 94.4%. CONCLUSIONS: MSCT-derived mitral IC dimension and LVESD easily performed measures that are effective predictors of anatomical suitability or screen failure for this tether-based TMVI device.

Role of Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Maxillofacial Trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillofacial fractures are among the commonest injuries occurring in trauma patients. Multislice computed tomography (CT) is a widely used radiological investigation that accurately reveals the number, location, and extent of the fractures as well as concomitant soft tissue injuries and has been found to be superior in the diagnosis of maxillofacial fractures owing to high sensitivity and specificity. This study was performed to assess the efficacy of axial, coronal, sagittal, and three-dimensional (3D) reformatted images in the detection of fractures in maxillofacial trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on 49 adult patients with maxillofacial injuries undergoing multislice CT using a multidetector SiemensSOMATOM Emotion eco 16 slice CT scanner (Siemens AG, Munich, Germany). CT protocol consisted of non-contrast axial 16-slice helical series beam collimation ~ 3 mm, pitch ~ 0.8 - 1, tube current ~ 270 mAs, voltage ~ 130 kV, Total exposure time ~ 18 seconds, total radiation ~ 200 mGy. Along with the axial, coronal and sagittal images were reconstructed with 0.5 mm increment. 3D volume-rendering images were also obtained. 3D images were compared with axial images, coronal and sagittal plane images. RESULTS: The maximum number of cases was in the age group of 21-30 years with the male: female ratio being 5.12:1. The most common cause of injury was road traffic accidents (RTA). Mandible fractures were found to be the most common (20 patients, 40.8%) followed by fractures of nasal bone (18 patients, 36.7%). The incidence of frontal bone fractures was found to be the least (six patients, 12.24%). Our study found that 3D images are superior to axial in assessing the extent and degree of displacement of maxillofacial fractures in general. The maxillary sinus was found to be the most commonly fractured sinus (19 patients, 38.7%). Sphenoid sinus fractures were the least common (seen in two patients, 4.08%). CT findings correlated with the operative findings in most types of fractures. CONCLUSION: Multidetector CT with multiplanar and 3D reformation is highly accurate in the identification of fractures and assessing the extent and degree of displacement of fractures; hence, it is the imaging modality of choice in maxillofacial trauma. 3D images are much better for the detection of maxillofacial fractures compared to axial, coronal, or sagittal views, especially in maxilla and mandibular bone fractures. It is also found to be better at providing information on the patterns of the fracture lines and the displacement of the fracture fragments. Another added advantage of multidetector CT is that it is a non-invasive technique with good accuracy and a short scan time.

Anterolateral territory coronary artery bypass grafting strategies: a non-inferiority randomized clinical trial: the AMI-PONT trial.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective was to assess whether a composite coronary artery bypass grafting strategy including a saphenous vein graft bridge to distribute left internal mammary artery outflow provides non-inferior patency rates compared to conventional grafting surgery with separated left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending coronary graft and aorto-coronary saphenous vein grafts to other anterolateral targets. METHODS: All patients underwent isolated grafting surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and received ≥2 grafts/patients on the anterolateral territory. The graft patency (i.e. non-occluded) was assessed using multislice spiral computed tomography at 1 year. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2021, 208 patients were randomized to a bridge (n = 105) or conventional grafting strategy (n = 103). Patient characteristics were comparable between groups. The anterolateral graft patency was non-inferior in the composite bridge compared to conventional grafting strategy at 1 year [risk difference 0.7% (90% confidence interval -4.8 to 6.2%)]. The graft patency to the left anterior descending coronary was no different between groups (P = 0.175). Intraoperatively, the bridge group required shorter vein length for anterolateral targets (P < 0.001) and exhibited greater Doppler flow in the mammary artery pedicle (P = 0.004). The composite outcome of death, myocardial infarction or target vessel reintervention at 30 days was no different (P = 0.164). CONCLUSIONS: Anterolateral graft patency of the composite bridge grafting strategy is non-inferior to the conventional grafting strategy at 1 year. This novel grafting strategy is safe, efficient, associated with several advantages including better mammary artery flow and shorter vein requirement, and could be a valuable alternative to conventional grafting strategies. Ten-year clinical follow-up is underway. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01585285.

The relation between pericoronary fat thickness and density quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography with coronary artery disease severity.

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between epicardial fat thickness (EFT), pericoronary fat thickness (PCFT), and pericoronary fat density (PCFD) with the existence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 210 patients referred for multislice CT angiography. Group I normal CTCA, Group II patients had non-obstructive atherosclerosis, and Group III patients had obstructive atherosclerosis. All patients underwent a clinical examination, history taking, and multislice CT angiography. RESULTS: The mean EFT was significantly greater in group III (10.43 ± 2.31 mm) compared to groups II (6.30 ± 1.61 mm) and I (5.06 ± 1.14 mm). The mean PCFT was significantly greater in group III (17.96 ± 2.89 mm) compared to group II (11.47 ± 2.51 mm) and group I (9.67 ± 1.99 mm). PCFD was significantly higher adjacent to the lesion (-80.47 ± 29.14) compared to the normal segment (-109.03 ± 35.24), higher in the obstructive group (-59.44 ± 20.10) compared to the non-obstructive group (-101.51 ± 20.23), but lower in calcified lesions (-89.58 ± 28.94) compared to non-calcified (-75.01 ± 29.20), and mixed lesions (-74.83 ± 26.90). EFT and PCFT cut-off values for predicting obstructive CAD were 8.3 and 12.4 mm, respectively, with 87.1% and 92.9% sensitivity and 92.9% and 86.4% specificity, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a significant association between epicardial fat thickness, pericoronary fat thickness and density with the severity of coronary artery disease.

Head-to-head comparison of ventilation/perfusion single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography and multidetector computed tomography angiography for the detection of acute pulmonary embolism in clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) single photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) images have been widely used to detect PE, but few studies have performed a direct comparison between them. We aimed to evaluate the performance of these tests in the same group of patients, selected from the routine practice of a general hospital. METHODS: Patients with suspected acute PE were prospectively submitted to CTA and V/Q SPECT/CT. General radiologists and nuclear physicians, respectively, interpreted the images. Data regarding age, sex, time between examinations, symptoms, and Wells score were also recorded. The final diagnosis was decided through a consensus among the clinicians, taking into account clinical, laboratory, follow-up, and all imaging procedures data. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (15 male, 13 female, and median age of 51.5 years) were studied. Median duration of the onset of symptoms was 4 (1-14) days, and the median Wells score was 3.5 (1.5-6). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy were 84.6%, 80.0%, 78.6%, 85.7%, and 82.1% for V/Q SPECT/CT, and 46.1%, 100%, 100%, 68.2%, and 75.0% for CTA. The overall agreement between the methods was 57.1%. Of the 22 patients with negative CTA, 10 (45.4%) had positives V/Q SPECT/CT and seven of them classified as true positives. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that V/Q SPECT/CT is more sensitive and accurate than CTA when interpreted by general radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.

Clinical Comparison of FD-CT and MS-CT in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: A Single Center Experience.

Single-center comparison of postinterventional multislice computed tomography (MS-CT) and flat-detector computed tomography (FD-CT) in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and endovascularly treated cerebral aneurysms with a focus on detection of posttherapeutical complications. Patients with endovascularly treated aneurysmal SAH undergoing both MS-CT and FD-CT within 24 h after intervention were included. Datasets were compared regarding image quality (IQ) as well as qualitative (detection of SAH, intracerebral haemorrhage [ICH], intraventricular haemorrhage [IVH], external ventricular drain [EVD] position, acute obstructive hydrocephalus [AOH]) and quantitative (cella media distance [CMD], modified Graeb score [GS]) parameters. 410 patients with endovascularly treated aneurysmal SAH were included. IQ was equal between MS-CT and FD-CT. FD-CT allowed equal detection of SAH and ICH in comparison to MS-CT. FD-CT allowed excellent detection of IVH and delineation of EVD position with strong agreement to MS-CT findings. FD-CT allowed equal detection of AOH in comparison to MS-CT. There was no significant difference of CMD and GS between FD-CT and MS-CT. Postinterventional FD-CT yields equivalent diagnostic value in patients with endovascular treated SAH as MS-CT. Enabling reliable detection of SAH-associated complications within the angiosuite, FD-CT might be an efficient and safe imaging modality in these clinical emergencies.

Heterotopic Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement in Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation and Refractory Right Heart Failure.

Torrential tricuspid regurgitation may lead to heart failure and poor survival and quality of life. Heterotopic transcatheter tricuspid replacement is increasingly offered to patients unsuitable for direct valve repair or replacement. We describe 1 patient treated by transcatheter implantation of 2 self-expanding valves in the venae cavae with a multimodality imaging approach. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Quantifying the Human Subchondral Trabecular Bone Microstructure in Osteoarthritis with Clinical CT.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by critical alterations of the subchondral bone microstructure, besides the well-known cartilaginous changes. Clinical computed tomography (CT) detection of quantitative 3D microstructural subchondral bone parameters is applied to monitor changes of subchondral bone structure in different stages of human OA and is compared with micro-CT, the gold standard. Determination by clinical CT (287 µm resolution) of key microstructural parameters in tibial plateaus with mild-to-moderate and severe OA reveals strong correlations to micro-CT (35 µm), high inter- and intraobserver reliability, and small relative differences. In vivo, normal, mild-to-moderate, and severe OA are compared with clinical CT (331 µm). All approaches detect characteristic expanded trabecular structure in severe OA and fundamental microstructural correlations with clinical OA stage. Multivariate analyses at various in vivo and ex vivo imaging resolutions always reliably separate mild-to-moderate from severe OA (except mild-to-moderate OA from normal), revealing a striking similarity between 287 µm clinical and 35 µm micro-CT. Thus, accurate structural measurements using clinical CT with a resolution near the trabecular dimensions are possible. Clinical CT offers an opportunity to quantitatively monitor subchondral bone microstructure in clinical and experimental settings as an advanced tool of investigating OA and other diseases affecting bone architecture.

Hallazgos posoperatorios esperables en cirugías de aorta torácica ascendente con angiotomografía computada multicorte: todo lo que un médico radiólogo debe conocer / Expected postoperative findings in ascending thoracic aortic surgeries with multislice angiotomography: Everything a radiologist should know

Resumen Para la reconstrucción y el tratamiento de anomalías que comprometen la aorta torácica pueden emplearse diversas técnicas quirúrgicas abiertas, las cuales estarán determinadas por la patología que presente el paciente. La angiotomografía computada multicorte (ATCMC) es el método de elección para su control y seguimiento. El médico radiólogo debe estar familiarizado con las técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas (Wheat, Bentall de Bono, Cabrol, entre otras), con las reparaciones estructurales que se realizan y con los materiales protésicos utilizados con el fin de evitar una interpretación errónea de las imágenes. El fieltro espontáneamente hiperdenso, los conductos protésicos y sus anastomosis, tanto con la aorta como con los grandes vasos, puede generar errores en el informe final y en el diagnóstico.

Abstract Multiple surgical techniques can be used for the reconstruction and treatment of abnormalities that compromise the thoracic aorta, which will be determined by the patient’s pathology. Multislice computed tomography angiography is the method of choice for their control and monitoring. The radiologist should be familiar with the surgical techniques used (Wheat, Bentall de Bono, and Cabrol, among others), as well as with the structural repairs that are performed and the prosthetic materials used in order to avoid an erroneous interpretation of the images. Spontaneously hyperdense felt, the prosthetic ducts and their anastomosis, both with the aorta and the large vessels, can generate pitfalls in the final report and error in the diagnosis.

Aortic Rupture and Hemorrhagic Shock After Percutaneous Retrieval of an Embolized Left Atrial Appendage Occluder.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure may be complicated by occluder embolization. Percutaneous retrieval is preferred for devices embolized to large vessels. In this report, the successful percutaneous retrieval of an LAA occluder embolized to the abdominal aorta was followed by several complications, culminating in iatrogenic aortic rupture requiring endovascular repair. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Quality and safety of coronary computed tomography angiography at academic and non-academic sites: insights from a large European registry (ESCR MR/CT Registry).

OBJECTIVES: To compare the use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) between academic and non-academic sites across Europe over the last decade. METHODS: We analyzed a large multicenter registry (ESCR MR/CT Registry) of stable symptomatic patients who received CCTA 01/2010-01/2020 at 47 (22%) academic and 165 (78%) non-academic sites across 19 European countries. We compared image quality, radiation dose, contrast-media-related adverse events, patient characteristics, CCTA findings, and downstream testing between academic and non-academic sites. RESULTS: Among 64,317 included patients (41% female; 60 ± 13 years), academic sites accounted for most cases in 2010-2014 (52%), while non-academic sites dominated in 2015-2020 (71%). Despite less contemporary technology, non-academic sites maintained low radiation doses (4.76 [2.46-6.85] mSv) with a 30% decline of high-dose scans ( > 7 mSv) over time. Academic and non-academic sites both reported diagnostic image quality in 98% of cases and low rate of scan-related adverse events (0.4%). Academic and non-academic sites examined similar patient populations (41% females both; age: 61 ± 14 vs. 60 ± 12 years; pretest probability for obstructive CAD: low 21% vs. 23%, intermediate 73% vs. 72%, high 6% both, CAD prevalence on CCTA: 40% vs. 41%). Nevertheless, non-academic sites referred more patients to non-invasive ischemia testing (6.5% vs. 4.2%) and invasive coronary angiography/surgery (8.5% vs. 5.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Non-academic and academic sites provide safe, high-quality CCTA across Europe, essential to successfully implement the recently updated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes. However, despite examining similar populations with comparable CAD prevalence, non-academic sites tend to refer more patients to downstream testing. KEY POINTS: • Smaller non-academic providers increasingly use CCTA to rule out obstructive coronary artery disease. • Non-academic and academic sites provide comparably safe, high-quality CCTA across Europe. • Compared to academic sites, non-academic sites tend to refer more patients to downstream testing.

[Applications of cone beam computed tomography of the craneofacial structure in medical specialties. A review]. / Aplicaciones de la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico de la estructura craneofacial en especialidades médicas. Una revisión.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the craniofacial structure has demonstrated its usefulness in the dental area during the last decades, thus it has become a fundamental tool in the diagnosis, planning, and evaluation of treatment, and although it was not developed for the exclusive use in dentistry, as it is commonly considered, it is used in other areas such as medicine. It is specifically used in the head and neck area where different medical specialties interact, and at the same time these interact with dental specialties, so knowing the advantages of CBCT over different imaging technologies in the medical area is necessary. The purpose of this review was to describe the applications of observation, diagnosis, planning, and evolution of treatments using maxillofacial HSCT in different medical specialties. This work highlights the use of TCHC in different medical applications and highlights where it is most useful compared to other technologies.